tomhas
/t̪ˠõːsˠ/
The Irish word for gauge is tomhas.
tomhas refers to a measure, a standard of measure or an instrument used to determine dimensions, distance or capacity.
Meaning: a measure, a standard of measure, an instrument to determine dimensions, distance, or capacity, a standard (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/t̪ˠõːsˠ/
Did you know?
- In the world of traditional Irish poetry, a verse's tomhas refers to its strict syllable counts and rhythmic stresses.
- In Irish, tomhas is used not just for physical dimensions but also metaphorically to describe a person's 'measure' or character, similar to the English expression 'the measure of a man'.
- The musical term for the timing or 'measure' of a piece, tomhasadh, is derived from the root word tomhas.
Examples in context
- Úsáideann siad an tomhas sin le haghaidh an tsrácht.They use that gauge for the track.
Example conversation
Oisín and Niamh are working on a mechanical project in a workshop.
- OisínNiamh, cá bhfuil an tomhas?Niamh, where is the gauge?
- NiamhTá sé ar an bord, a Oisín.It is on the table, Oisín.
- OisínAn bhfuil sé seo mar thomhas an phíobha?Is this the gauge for the pipe?
- NiamhTá, sin é an tomhas ceart.Yes, that is the correct gauge.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tomhas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
